We are a group of ecological farmers who have spent the last two years creating a community farm for the benefit of local people. We live peacefully in Yorkley where we have contributed positively to the Forest of Dean in many different ways.
At five o’clock Monday morning bailiffs, private security and contractors entered the farm in an attempt to remove our property from the land by force. We resisted their attempt and the bailiffs quickly stood down when they were made aware of the legal situation regarding contested ownership of the land. We managed to remove everyone from the land, culminating in a stand off at the gate which we have maintained for 48 hours straight.
This shocking and aggressive attempt to destroy a blossoming community farm and peaceful peoples livelihoods has apparently been pursued and paid for by local property developer Brian Bennett colluding with the contested “owner” Solicitor Richard Tolson. This morning we took out an injunction against Tolson and Bennett which blocks them from using force to remove us from the farm. We now have some breathing space to continue to work towards developing this community farm which we hope will be a real asset for the people of Yorkley and the Forest of Dean.
